Suns’ Mark Williams wants to show Hornets they were wrong to trade him
Phoenix Suns’ Mark Williams wants to prove why his former team, the Charlotte Hornets, should regret trading him.
Diannie Chavez and Diana Payan/The Republic
New Phoenix Suns big Mark Williams is ready to go entering the season opener on Wednesday, Oct. 22, against the Sacramento Kings at Mortgage Matchup Center.
“I’m excited,” Williams said. “Been looking forward to playing since I’ve been here. I’m excited.”
Williams has been ramping up since July 1 to start his first season with the Suns. His injury history led to Phoenix putting him on a preparation plan with a focus on improving his strength, particularly his lower body, and flexibility.
The 7-footer didn’t play in any of Phoenix’s four preseason games, but he has been doing drills and progressed to playing live five-on-five in practice.
“Perfect timing,” Suns star guard Devin Booker said. “Obviously we know his history. We want him ready to play in the games.”
The time has finally come for Williams to make his Suns debut.
“I’ve gotten better since I’ve been here, on and off the court,” Williams said. “Just trying to be the best version of myself.”
“Been looking forward to playing since I’ve been here.”
Suns big Mark Williams on Wednesday’s opener.
On rookie extension: “I’ll just let my game take care of itself. Just focus on basketball, just focus on team and having and really good year.”
Will be restricted free agent… pic.twitter.com/Vnrx3uoxVn
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 20, 2025
Williams is entering the final year of a four-year, $18-million deal. He was up for a rookie extension, with the deadline Monday, Oct. 20. He’ll be a restricted free agent after this season.
“I’ll just let my game take care of itself,” Williams said. “Just focus on basketball, just focus on team and having a really good year.”
Jalen Green won’t play in the opener, as he’s out with an injury. He’s due for a re-evaluation this week after reaggravating a left hamstring strain in China.
“Progress is being made, but still taking it day-by-day,” Suns coach Jordan Ott said. “Those soft tissues, you don’t know exactly where it’s at. You’ll see him do work before practice.”
Missing all four preseason games, Green initially hurt his hamstring in training camp leading up to Phoenix’s first game Oct. 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Suns never saw their projected starting lineup Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Ryan Dunn, Green and Williams play together in preseason action.
“I think it’ll be really easy when Jalen comes back to incorporate him,” Williams said. “We know what he’s capable of. Whenever he’s back, I think he’ll be really good for us.”
Green played all 82 regular-season games in each of his last two seasons with the Houston Rockets. He averaged a team-high 21 points last season.
The Suns acquired Green, Brooks and the 10th overall pick in the 2025 draft, 7-footer Khaman Maluach, from Houston in the Kevin Durant trade.
Williams has only played 106 games in his three NBA seasons, all with the Chalotte Hornets, as he’s dealt with foot, back, knee, ankle and thumb injuries.
The Suns still decided to trade two first-round picks and guard Vasa Micic to the Hornets for Williams and a second-round selection.
Jordan Ott on Jalen Green (hamstring): “Progress is being made, but still taking it day-by-day. Those soft tissues, you don’t know exactly where it’s at. You’ll see him do work before practice.”
Out Suns opener Oct. 22 vs. Kings.
On 3 games in 4 days to open season: “We’ll see… pic.twitter.com/JVqwEhrPsV
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 20, 2025
When healthy, he’s been productive, averaging a career-high 15.3 points on 60.4% shooting, 10.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks last season in 44 games, also a career best.
“He’s a talented individual,” Suns forward Royce O’Neale said. “His height is special, his length. I think offensively, defensively, he’s going to be great. The way he sees the game, plays the game, he’s going be help and an advantage for us.”
The Suns are hoping he’s able to play a much higher number of games this season. Williams gives Phoenix an inside scoring threat, rebounder and a rim deterrent.
“You’ll be able to see his added strength out there,” Ott said. “You put him on the floor, his size. Him patrolling the paint, offensively putting his head on the rim, and defensively, just being in there, deters players from even driving. You can definitely feel his physicality right off the bat.”
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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